Philadelphia, PA – The Independence Business Alliance (IBA) is proud to announce that the chamber was honored for excellence in community impact on Thursday, August 25th at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)’s 2016 International Business & Leadership Conference in Palm Springs, California.
“We are proud to receive recognition for both our Awards and Philanthropy Initiative as well as our Women in Business program,” said Zach Wilcha, IBA’s Executive Director. “Every year, we work hard to make a difference in our community. We’ve collaborated with small businesses, corporate partners and philanthropic groups in order to shine a light on the importance of diversity and giving back to the community and we don’t plan to stop now. We look forward to growing these programs so that we can leave an even greater impact on our community.”
NGLCC recognized the IBA for its Awards and Philanthropy Initiative, a program of awards dedicated to shining a spotlight on the local Greater Philadelphia LGBT business community, giving back to the community at large and building the leaders of tomorrow. In that effort, IBA has partnered with various community, philanthropic and corporate partners to create an exemplary awards program that includes an annual LGBTQ Scholarship in partnership with The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the LGBT Business Award in partnership with PNC Bank, the Business Integrity Award in partnership with Integrity Staffing, and many other empowering endeavors. “NGLCC affiliate chambers like the IBA are using their relationships with corporate partners and advocacy groups to open doors for LGBT professionals creating more inclusive communities,” said Sam McClure, NGLCC Senior Vice President. “It is what makes IBA a role model for other LGBT Chambers.”
NGLCC also recognized the IBA for its Women in Business (WiB) program, designed specifically to increase the involvement of women in IBA activities and programs as well as the LGBT community at large. Over the past three years, the number of women who have join the IBA has risen exponentially greatly increasing the visibility of LBT women in IBA and the LGBT business community at large.